Pro Bono Consultant Profile

Elizabeth Chacko

Strategy Analyst in New York City

Background

Marketing professional in the client management group at a boutique fixed income investment manager. Focus on cultivating relationships with investors, client servicing, and new product development.

Pro Bono Clients

Two projects completed: Annual Reports for Hour Children & The Reading Team

What was your Taproot Foundation project experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Hour Children team and was impressed with each team member and the final product that we produced. I was amazed at how well we worked together, even though we had no prior work experience with one another, and that we were able to effectively communicate Hour Children’s message and image to the public.

How have you grown from your pro bono work?

Working on these projects offered me a number of unique experiences. The projects provided the opportunity to hone my professional and soft skills while working with a team of strangers. Not only did I learn from the actual task, but I learned as much by observing how my fellow team members approached situations. Working with the management of these organizations opened my eyes to some of the growing pains that nonprofits face and how they can be similar to the problems that for-profit organizations face. Lastly, working with a new group of professionals on each project helped me expand my network and forge new friendships.

What were the biggest challenges?

My first Service Grant was a first in many respects for me - first experience working with a nonprofit and first consulting project. It was challenging to work with an organization that has a very different culture from financial services institutions.

How can the business community and nonprofit sector strengthen one another?

Working on these projects highlighted how nonprofits can benefit from guidance in business management and communication strategies, while business could learn to incorporate more socially responsible practices and provide support to their local communities in various ways, including contributions and partnerships. Partnering with the local community can make a marked difference in improving social and economic conditions for all parties.

What community issues hit home and what did you learn from the project?

Promoting education in the youth and economic development are two areas that particularly interest me. As I work with the Reading Team, it has become painfully apparent how vital it is to establish a solid educational foundation in children at a very early stage and to incorporate parents into this process from the beginning. In a city like New York City, the school systems are overflowing with under-privileged and immigrant children who are floundering at school due to a lack of support and available resources.

What do you do when you’re not doing pro bono?

I also volunteer with organizations that promote education and cultural awareness such as the International Center of NY. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and photography.